Wines of Campania: Focus on Aglianico and Fiano

Campania is one of the oldest and most prestigious wine regions in Italy, with a tradition that dates back to Greek and Roman times. Its variety of soils, Mediterranean climate and rich cultural history contribute to the creation of unique, high-quality wines that are internationally appreciated. Among the most representative grape varieties of Campania are Aglianico and Fiano, two grapes that perfectly embody the winemaking identity of the region.

Campania: A Historic Wine-Growing Territory

Campania boasts a winemaking tradition that dates back more than two thousand years, when the Greeks introduced viticulture to the region. The region is characterized by a variety of soils that range from the volcanic hills of Vesuvius, to the fertile alluvial soils along the rivers, to the more arid areas of the mountains. The richness of microclimates, from the coastal areas to the inland mountains, allows the cultivation of a wide range of grape varieties, creating a wine biodiversity that is the pride of the region.

In Campania, red, white and rosé wines are mainly produced, with a growing focus on quality and innovation, while maintaining tradition. Aglianico and Fiano are among the vines that best represent Campania's winemaking excellence.

Aglianico: The "Barolo of the South"

Aglianico is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic vines of southern Italy and one of the best representatives of Campania's red wine. Originally from the Vesuvian area, it has spread to many areas of the region, but it is above all in Irpinia, particularly in the Taurasi area, that this variety reaches its most authentic and renowned expression.

Characteristics of Aglianico

Aglianico is a red grape variety that produces robust, structured and long-lived wines. Its grapes are characterized by a thick skin and high acidity, characteristics that give the wine great aging potential. Wines made from Aglianico are generally deep ruby ​​​​in color, with garnet reflections that intensify with aging. On the nose, Aglianico wines have a complex bouquet, with notes of ripe red fruit, spices, tobacco and damp earth. On the palate, Aglianico is full-bodied, with powerful tannins and excellent acidity, which give it balance and structure.

*Taurasi*, one of the most prestigious wines produced with Aglianico, is the emblem of the typicality of the grape variety. This DOCG wine, which originates in the Irpinia area, is recognized for its complexity and longevity. Thanks to its robust structure, it can be stored for many years, during which it is enriched with softer and more refined notes. Taurasi is known for its ability to evolve over time, developing aromas that range from dried fruit to licorice, with a great harmony between tannins and acidity.

Facts and curiosities about Aglianico

Name and origin: The name "Aglianico" could derive from the Greek word *Hellenico*, which refers to Greek culture, or perhaps from the Latin term *Ellenico*, which suggests a connection with Magna Graecia.

Production areas: Aglianico is grown mainly in Irpinia (province of Avellino) and Sannio (province of Benevento), but is also found in the areas of Vesuvius.

Longevity: Taurasi DOCG is known to be one of the Italian wines with the greatest aging potential, with some vintages that can evolve beautifully for decades.

Fiano: A White of Elegance and Complexity

Fiano is one of the most appreciated white vines in Campania and one of the great protagonists of viticulture in Southern Italy. Its origins are very ancient and it is said that it was already cultivated by the Romans, but it is in the hilly areas of the province of Avellino that this vine has found its ideal habitat. *Fiano di Avellino* DOCG is the most prestigious denomination for wines produced with this vine.

Characteristics of Fiano

Fiano is a white grape variety that produces fresh, aromatic and well-balanced wines. Its fruits are rich in sugars, but also in acidity, which gives the wine excellent potential for evolution. Fiano wines are characterized by a straw yellow color with green reflections, and on the nose they offer delicate aromas of white flowers, tropical fruit and honey, with light notes of hazelnut and spices. On the palate, Fiano is fresh, savory, with a pleasant structure and a long persistence.

*Fiano di Avellino* DOCG is one of the most elegant and complex Italian white wines, capable of evolving over time, developing more intense and mineral aromas. This wine is suitable for aging well, with a maturation potential that also makes it ideal for tasting a few years after the harvest.

Facts and curiosities about Fiano

Name and origin: The name "Fiano" appears to derive from the Latin *vitis apiana*, meaning "bee vine", referring to the sweetness of its grapes which attracted pollinating insects.

Production areas: Fiano is grown mainly in the hilly area around Avellino, but also in other areas of Campania, such as the Benevento and Caserta hills.

Food pairings: Fiano di Avellino pairs perfectly with fish dishes, seafood, fresh cheeses and Mediterranean cuisine.

The Growth of Quality and Innovation

In recent decades, Campania producers have invested heavily in the quality of their wines, combining tradition and innovation. Modern winemaking techniques, along with the use of new technologies in the cellar, have allowed them to obtain more refined wines that are more representative of the territory. This process has led Taurasi and Fiano di Avellino to reach increasingly higher quality standards, with international recognition that rewards the excellence of Campania viticulture.

Conclusions

Campania offers a variety of top-quality wines, with Aglianico and Fiano emerging as symbols of its viticulture. The former, with its powerful structure and capacity for aging, represents one of Italy's best reds. The latter, with its freshness and elegance, is a white that has conquered the palates of enthusiasts and connoisseurs around the world. Both vines tell the story of a territory rich in tradition, but also innovation, where the connection with nature and respect for the terroir are the fundamental principles for obtaining wines of great value.

Sources

- **Bertoldi, G., & Casella, S.** (2018). *Guide to Italian Wines 2018*. Gambero Rosso.

- **Cataudella, S., & Pompili, M.** (2015). *The Grapes of Campania: Tradition and Future*. Publisher Ais Campania.

- **Di Marzo, A.** (2016). *Wines and vines of Campania: A journey through the great wine territories of southern Italy*. Edizioni Planeta.

- **Scienza, A.** (2017). *Viticulture and Enology Manual*. Franco Angeli.

- **Viti, R.** (2010). *Fiano di Avellino: History and quality of a great white wine*. Journal of Viticulture and Enology, 64(3), 67-73.